ST. AUGUSTINE –
Tori Pearce erupted for 32 points and dished out a career-high 10 assists as Flagler College rolled to a 96-74 win over the University of Virginia's College at Wise on Saturday in the final game of the Southeast Region Crossover at Flagler Gymnasium.
Flagler is 2-0 to start the season, which is the first time that has happened since the 2018-19 season. The 96 points were the most scored by a Saints team since Dec. 2, 2017 when Flagler defeated Clayton State University 97-91 in overtime. UVA Wise, a member of the South Atlantic Conference, fell to 0-2.
"Today we played with good pace and balance on offense and did a great job of playing inside and out," said head coach
Mo Smith. "Our defense had good moments and key stops to help us get great runs. It was a great team effort today."
After the Cavaliers opened the game with a basket, the Saints followed with a 9-0 spurt and never trailed.
N'Mya Pierce scored eight of Flagler's 20 first quarter points.
Taylor Gardner poured in 10 points in the second quarter to help Flagler take a 46-37 lead at the half.
The Saints went on a 16-6 run to start the third quarter to take control of the game. Pearce and
Staci Miller each scored six points in the spurt. Pearce finished with 11 points in the quarter.
Pearce and
Sharale McCormick each scored eight points in the final quarter.
Pearce added seven rebounds and five steals to her final line. She made 13-of-18 from the field. Gardner added 17 points and
Sadie Russell recorded a double-double with 12 points and a career-high 15 rebounds. McCormick contributed 10 points.
Nia Vanzant led UVA Wise with 26 points. Meg Crawford and Kalee Johnson added 13 and 12 points, respectively.
Flagler ventures out on the road for the first time this season as it will face Florida Tech on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Melbourne.
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